Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha played host to nearly 80,000 migrant water birds this monsoon, registering a substantial rise in the number of winged guests in comparison to the preceding year.

As against 70,105 visiting birds recorded last year, this season 79,548 avian species had made Bhitarkanika wetland spots their nesting sites.

With this, Bhitarkanika national park has once again re-established its place in the state as one of the congenial heronries for migrant water birds.

There has been a steady rise in the number of local water-birds who thronged the heronry and wetland spots here for their seasonal sojourn.

The breakup of local migrant birds arriving here in past years is 2007- 52,096, 2008- 71,383, 2009-70,484, 2010- 41,168, 2011-59,973 and 2012- 70,105.

“As the monsoon was erratic this time, we expected lesser number of local migBhitarkanika records increase in migrant water birds visit
The onset of monsoon had triggered chirpy cacophony along the marshy wetland spots in Bhitarkanika national park. As the spell of rains was not uniform, their arrival was delayed this time.

Prominent among the species arriving here for nesting are Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Darter, Cormorant, Large Egret, Intermediary Egret and Little Egret.

The birds’ habitat is spread across around four-hectares-stretch and the winged creatures fly around the water bodies adding to the scenic beauty of the place.

There is ample food security for the birds as the place criss-crossed by innumerable water inlets and nullahs is free of human interference, the DFO said.

Lack of human interference, ideal climatic condition, cool breeze and the river system here all have emerged to the liking of these delicate chirpy winged species.

Noted ornithologist Dr Salim Ali made a chance-discovery of Bhitarkanika birds habitat while on a casual visit to Bhitarkanika in 1981.

Forest personnel said over a dozen types of local residential birds congregate at Bagagahana heronry within the park for nesting and breeding every year.

The species are Open Bill Stork, Little Cormorant, Intermediary Egret, Large Egret, Little Egret, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Night Heron, Darter, White Ibis and Cattle Egret.

How To Reach:

Balasore railway station is the nearest railhead to Simlipal and it is at a distance of 76 kms from Simlipal. It is connected to all the major cities of India through regular trains and to the rest of the Orissa by passenger and express trains.

Reaching Simlipal by road :-

1. By Bus:- The Orissa state transport buses connects Simlipal with all the major cities of the State. Daily interstate bus services are available from Jamshedpur, Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar.
2. By own vehicle/hired cab:- From Bhubaneshwar take NH-5 via Baripada and Balasore. A forest road will take you to Pithabata from there. NH6 connects Kolkata with Simlipal via Jashipur, Panskura and Kharagpur. The forest road from here takes you to Gudgudia or Chahala.

Season of Visit:
The Sanctuary remains open to visitors tentatively from 1st November to 15th June.

Entry points and permits

            There are two entry points to Similipal. The visitors can obtain entry permits with usual fees either at Jashipur or Pithabata booking counter. For the day visitors the counter remains open from 6 A.M. to 12 Noon and visitors with reservation from 6 A.M. to 2 P.M.

Entry fee:

i.         Person/day

Indian                                                                                  Rs.40/-

A group of 10 or more @ per person                     Rs.30/-

Foreigner                                                                            Rs.1000/-

A group of 10 or more @ per person                     Rs.200/-

Student                                                                                50% of the above

A group of 10 or more student @ per student    Rs.10/-

Children below three years                                        Free

Physically handicapped                                              Free

ii.         Jeep/Car/LMV per day                                          Rs.100/-

iii.        HMV/2 Wheelers not allowed

iv.       Trekking/ nature trail per person/day

Indian: additional Rs.20/- per day

Foreigner: additional Rs.100/- per day

v.         Still Camera (Per camera fees)

First three days                Additional days

Amateur Indian:                                 Rs.20/- per day               Rs.10/- per day

Amateur Foreigner                            Rs.100/- per day            Rs.40/- per day

Professional Indian                            Rs.50/- per day

Professional Foreigner                     Rs.400/- per day

vi.         Cine camera  smaller than 35mm (with prior written permission from Chief Wildlife Warden, Orissa, Bhubaneswar)

            Amateur Indian                      Rs.200/- per camera/day

            Amateur foreigner                 Rs.1000/- per camera/day

            Professional Indian               Rs.1000/- per camera/day

            Professional Foreigner         Rs.10,000/- per camera/day

 Reservation and accommodation

Reservation counter at Jashipur will remain open from 10 AM to 2 PM on all the days. At Jashipur counter reservation shall be given maximum up to 10 days in advance subject to availability. For reservation through correspondence request should reach the O/o the Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Baripada – 757002, Mayurbhanj, Orissa not more than 60 days and not less than 30 days before the propose date of occupation. Application for reservation accommodation must contain the name, sex, age, nationality (visa, passport with validity for overseas tourists) alongwith self addressed stamped Rs.5/- envelope. Accommodation beyond the three consecutive nights inside the Reserve is not permitted to any group or person. Accommodation facilities inside Similipal Sanctuary are managed by the Forest Department.

Accommodation available for tourist in Similipal

Transport Facilities

Tourist can move inside the sanctuary within tourism zone in their own vehicles. Four wheel driven vehicles are preferable considering the hilly terrain and kacha road. Vehicles are also available on hire from Jashipur and Baripada. The charges for hiring vehicle varies from Rs.900/- to Rs.1,200/- per day depending upon the type of vehicle. Heavy vehicles and two wheelers are not allowed. Drivers of the private owned vehicles of Jashipur and Baripada are trained regularly before the onset of tourism season.

Boarding facility

All visitors are required to carry their own provisions/rations from nearby town Baripada or Jashipur before entering into the park. Only attendant, free fuel wood and utensils will be provided to the night-halt visitors at the camping place.

Rules & Regulations

1.      Carrying firearms of any kind or chemicals injurious to animal/habitat is not permitted.

2.      No pet can be taken into Reserve Area.

3.      Walking within Sanctuary outside permitted places is prohibited.

4.      Driving inside Sanctuary after sunset is prohibited.

5.      Playing of transistors/ tape recorders/ blowing horns/ shouting/ teasing or chasing animals/ attempt to feed them are prohibited.

6.      Carrying/ consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

7.      Carrying of polythene products into Sanctuary area and smoking/ lighting of fire of any kind out side camping area are prohibited.

8.      While inside the Reserve, throwing of litter out side garbage bin is prohibited. Visitors are advised to carry litterbags and bring back their non-biodegradable litters.

9.      Visitors are required to collect entry permit from Jashipur / Pithabata and must keep it with them till they leave the Park boundary and produce it as and when required by supervising staffs.

10. Entry into Reserve is entirely on own risk of visitors. The authority shall not be responsible for damages caused in any way.

11. To preserve for all the times, the biological diversity of Similipal as national heritage for the benefit of education and enjoyment of people, the number of vehicles entering into Similipal has been restricted. During tourism season, everyday entering of 40 tourist vehicles from Jashipur and 20 vehicles from Pithabata is allowed looking into the carrying capacity of the forest road.

Guidelines & Tips

1.      The Reserve is for wildlife conservation. You are a visitor. Behave respectfully towards nature and wildlife.

2.      Visit to Similipal is not for the picnic. It is to learn few things from Nature.

3.      Local forest staff’s advice and assistance helps in enjoying and understanding the Reserve best.

4.      The possibility of animal sighting increases by observing silence and keeping patience.

5.      Terrain being rough, use well maintained four wheel drive vehicles.

6.      It is advisable to take anti-malarial drugs before entering into the Park.

7.      Follow rule and regulation to avoid inconvenience.

8.      The Fire from your match stick may destroy thousands of trees. Don’t allow fire to spread.

9.      You may be the root cause for death of many animals and plants in Similipal. Control fire.

10. Tiger will not differentiate between a deer and a tourist.

11. Woods are lovely, Dark and Deep follow the rules and smile to sleep.

12. Don’t play with wild animals they can use you as their plaything.

13. Enjoy the sound of the forest. Keep your sound level to minimum.

14. When you are in the forest. Enjoy it the way nature created it

Contact for Information:

(a) Asst. Conservator of Forests (Tourism)
Office of Conservation of Forests and Field Director.
Similipal Tiger Reserve
PO.Bhanjpur, Baripada-757002
Tel: (06792)252593,
Fax:(06792)256705

(b) Asst Conservator of Forests,
National Park, Similipal Tiger Reserve,
PO.Khairi-Jashipur, Mayurbhanj-757091
Tel: (06797)2474

Entry Permit Issued from:
O/o Asst. Conservator of Forest,
National Park, NH-6, Jashipur.

and

O/o Range Officer, Pithabata Range,
Pithabata Check Gate, Pithabata.